A Quick Introduction to RAINMAN Plus

(v1.2 - 8/4/95)

The Remote Automated Information Manager, RAINMAN, is a set of tools and processes that allow information providers to create, modify and remove information stored on America Online. RAINMAN is easy to use.

You create a script, or a text file of instructions, on your local computer system. Once you create the script, you send it to RAINMAN, which reads the script and performs the commands as instructed. The following is a brief introduction to RAINMAN Plus. 

__Concepts and Terms___________________________

GROUPS

A group is an area where RAINMAN stores the information that you send. There may be only one forum/area per group, but there may be more than one group per forum/area. Who can use RAINMAN and whether objects are date/time/ID stamped are configured in the group. Groups are set up and maintained by America Online employees. The content of the group, however, is controlled by the forum/area.

OBJECTS

An object is any item that you can include in a RAINMAN Plus group. Each object must be given an ID, a three to eight character designation that must be unique within the group. This ID may contain letters, numbers, dollar signs ($), and underscores (_). The types of objects are:

 - Articles. A block of text or a graphic for members to view online.

 - Collections. An online folder that contains other objects.

 - Pages. An collection along with text or graphics.

 - Tokens and Arguments. A command that makes RAINMAN Plus perform an action.

 - Weblinks. A reference to a World Wide Web site.

 - Conference Rooms. Areas where members can conduct real-time conversations.

 - Auditoriums. An area where up to 500 members can come to hear a speaker.

 - Message Boards. An area where members write notes that other members can read and answer.

 - Software Libraries. Areas where members can upload and download files.

 - Search Databases. UNIX-based online searchable databases.

 - Form. A form in American Online's retriever database.

 - Old Form. An America Online library record.

 - Old Search Database. Stratus-based online search database.

LINKS AND POSITIONING

A link establishes a connection between an object and an existing collection. You may either define an ID for a link (a number from 1 to 256) or RAINMAN will automatically assign one for you. You may also specify the time at which to insert or remove the link. An object may have more than one link. However, there must be at least one link or else members will be unable to see it.

In addition to establishing a link to a collection, you may also define the position of that object within the collection. This position can be either absolute, defining the object's exact location within the collection, or it can be relative to another object within the collection.  

DELIMITER

A typical RAINMAN Plus command looks like this:  

\create

The backslash (\) is a delimiter that tells RAINMAN that the next word is a command. You may change the delimiter if the use of a backslash conflicts with the nature of the information you are uploading. You can change the delimiter to any combination of up to three characters. The change of your delimiter will be in effect for that script only. 

__Writing a Script____________________________

The following are sample scripts that demonstrate basic processes that can be performed with RAINMAN Plus. Items contained within angle brackets <> indicate information that you need to provide.

CREATING A COLLECTIONS

          \group

          \create collection

          \headline

          \insert link <#>

          \position in collection

This script creates a collection, assigns it a headline, and places it within an existing collection. The ID in the first command must be unique within the group. The text in the "\headline" command will appear in the title bar of the collection's window. Remember, you do not have to assign an ID for a link. If you do not, RAINMAN will. The collection in which you place this collection must already exist.

CREATING AN ARTICLE

          \group

          \create article

          \headline

          \field <#> text

           

          \insert link <#>

          \position in collection

This script creates an article, assigns it a headline and text, and places it within an existing collection. The ID in the first command must be unique within the group. The text in the "\headline" command will appear in the title bar of the article's window. The number <#> in the "\field" command indicates to which field the following text is displayed. "text" is a parameter of the "\field" command. Also, remember to hit the return key after the "text" parameter and before the text. The collection in which you place this collection must already exist.

CREATING A GRAPHIC ARTICLE

          \group

          \create article

          \headline

          \form 113

          \field 3 text

         

          \field 1 text

         

          \field 11 text

         

          \binary 5

          \insert link <#>

          \position in collection

This script goes a step further than the previous one. We defined which form we wanted to use with the"\form" command. You can find the form definitions in the "Forms Catalog." The various "\field # text" commands specify which text goes to which field. The "\binary" command is actually a flag for the graphic tool that will need to be run on this script. Consult "Creating Articles with Graphics" for more information on this process. Scripts for graphic articles will need to be submitted via e-mail.

__Submitting a Script___________________________

INTERACTIVE RAINMAN

In order to use Interactive RAINMAN, you must first sign on to America Online. If you are a participant in a VLA course, you can go to your play area and click on the Interactive RAINMAN icon in the upper right corner of the window. If you are not a participant, Interactive RAINMAN can be found in the RAINMAN Support Area via the RAINMAN Plus Information area. Type your script into the RAINMAN Command Interface field and then click execute. Once RAINMAN Plus has processed your script you will receive feedback that details what was created and any errors or warnings that were generated.

E-MAIL

You do not have to go to your play area in order to submit a script. You may do it via e-mail. In order to do this, compose a new mail message and address it to "RainmanSys." You may either type the script in the body or attach a file containing the script to the message. Send the message. RAINMAN processes the script upon receipt and replies in a mail message that details what was created and any errors or warnings that were generated.

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COMPILED BY: Bill Lenoir

ADAPTED AND PROOFED BY: Jennifer

CONFIDENTIAL: Yes

LOCATION: VirtuaLibrary & Reference > The InformatiONLINE Reference > Text/Document Management > RAINMAN Plus Information

Transmitted: 95-08-04 12:25:53 EDT (rmpintro)